Friday, February 2, 2018

Partners in Crime, Nicci French, Presents Sunday Silence - Just Out!

Nicci Gerrard and Sean French are the husband and wife writing team of Nicci French who have sold more than 8 million copies around the world. For some it’s hard to imagine writing a grocery list with your significant other, let alone over 20 full length novels that have landed on bestseller lists worldwide. French have also created one of the most talked about series protagonists in Frieda Klein. Before Amy Dunne and Rachel Watson were deemed “unlikeable” Frida Klein had already been labeled a “difficult” woman. Love or hate her, Klein is a brilliant psychologist who is often called on by the police to consult on murder cases. And she’s often the one to solve them.

SUNDAY SILENCE is the perfect cat and mouse thriller that will have you racing to the end to find out not so much who did it, but what that final shocking twist will be—and I guarantee you will never see it coming.

All at once the flat was full of noises. The phone rang, stopped, then rang again. The mobile rattled on the table. The doorbell sounded once, twice, and at the same time there was a thumping sound on the door itself. Detective Chief Inspector Karlsson lifted himself from is chair onto his crutches, moved to the door and opened it.

A very short, very thin woman was looking at him with a frown. Her gingery-brown hair was cut almost to a bristle at the back, but with a long fringe that fell over one eye. She had a narrow, pale face, slightly asymmetrical, with colorless brows and eyes the brown of cinnamon. She was dressed in a black anorak, baggy gray jumper, dark trousers and orange trainers. Behind her the rain was falling. Her face was wet with it. The branches of a plane tree creaked above her.

"I'm Chief Inspector Petra Burge."

She looked too young, Karlsson thought. But then he saw the fine lines around her eyes. And she had a scar on the left side of her head, running from her ear down her neck. "I've heard of you."

Burge didn't seem surprised by that, or flattered. "I've got to take you to a crime scene."

Karlsson gestured at this crutches. "I'm on sick leave."

"It was the commissioner."

"Crawford sent you?"

"He said to tell you there's a body in Saffron Mews."

"Saffron Mews?"

It was like he'd been punched in the gut. He put out a hand to steady himself. "What's happened?"

"We're going there now. I've got a car."

Burge turned to go but Karlsson reached out and grabbed her sleeve. "Is she dead?"

She shook her head. "It's a man."

~~~

Sunday Silence

By Nicci French

Saffron Mews

Calling in a man on crutches to go to a crime scene was indeed unusual, but when Detective Chief Inspector Karlsson heard that the commissioner had called him and that a body had been found in an area where a special friend lived. At first he feared for her life, until he learned that the body was of a man...

And, indeed, when they got to the Mews, they parked in front of her house. Frieda Klein is our main character. She had come home and immediately smelled something bad, perhaps an animal had gotten underneath the floor. A friend of Freida's had come and started taking up the floors, trying to find what smelled so badly. What they did not think they would find was a man's body!

And that's when the story really begins to get interesting! Yes, Freida Klein, a psychologist who often acted as a police consultant, knew the dead man. But, would they believe how she knew him? Well, he was a ex-policeman who had been hired to locate a serial killer. A dead serial killer, supposedly, that only Freida Klein believed was still alive. Dean Reeve was widely known to be dead in police circles, but there had been a connection between Reeve and Klein knew the truth. She had hired Bruce Stringer to find him--and it was clear that he had...unfortunately, since he was now dead!

And if she believed that, her friend Karlsson was willing to consider the possibility, and, of course, was going to work on the case whether on sick leave or not... While Petra Burge was lead, there would be enough to keep everybody busy because before long there was more than one body found... other assaults began...A surprise request from a relative to stay and live with Frieda, sets the tone for a disturbed environment for Klein, who is by nature an introvert and prefers often being alone...

She was so different from the normal, angry, assertive young woman that Frieda had known for so long. She made two cups of chamomile tea and took them upstairs. She held one so that Chloe could sip from it...

Chloe's eyes filled with tears and Frieda took the mug from her hands, put it on the bedside table, then hugged her niece.

"I'm sorry," Chloe said into her shoulder.

"You don't have to be."

Chloe mumbled something.

"What was that?"

"Your weekend."

"What do you mean my weekend?"

Chloe took a deep breath and seemed to be steeling her self to speak. The words came out one by one. "Sorry. To. Spoil. Your. Sunday. And yesterday too, Saturday."

But when Chloe was kidnapped, Frieda began to realize just how much she cared for those who were close to her. When the next body was found, they had to consider whether Reeve was actually alive and starting another spree or whether it really was a copy-cat killer who may have started his own spree by killing Reeve's pursuer... But it was very clear that the killer was going after those individuals who were closest to Freida!

Freida Klein is a unique main character. Being a professional where she could become involved with many different types of people, she remained aloof for her business activities. Still, there were a number of individuals who had become close to Freida over the years. Freida's friends and family were now being targeted! But was it just one, or two serial killers that they had to find?

A wonderful group of characters surround Freida during the turmoil that has begun as they worked together to create safe havens for those in possible danger. But the media involvement kept Kline in the center of all of the investigation. What did she know that she wasn't willing to share, because she seemed to know more information that she was keeping secret...and she was!

There is an interesting side-plot which involves the political leaders of the area--Klein had brought it to their attention that she believed Reeve was not dead. But nothing was done. Even in today's world headlines, we are often being confronted by the results when politicians do not do their jobs... I found I had great empathy for Klein as she struggled to continue on with her life, knowing that a dangerous man was somewhere out there, sometimes even watching her...

The writing is edgy, the story line complex, engrossing and quickly has readers moving faster as the action and intrigue increases. Characters are well-defined, to the point that I even wondered how the lead inspector was "big" enough in size to handle her job...LOL... But then realized that using her intellect was key and she was quick to deal as things moved on.. At the same time, I found great sympathy for the spouse of the killer. To me, creating so many feelings for many of the individual characters is a sign of writers who create books for their readers to sink into. Kudos to the co-authors!

But none of them were even close to identifying the guilty, until Klein's background expertise of analyzing personalities began to fall into place. A totally satisfying first read of the psychological suspense presented by Nicci French. With a one-sentence tease to entice you to be looking toward the next book! This is the partners in crime 20th novel and surely will be moving into the bestseller lists as has their other books! Highly recommended...

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Here's BRH Feedback--Cool!

6/17 Just saw your review on Amazon and then visited your site. Holy Smoke! As usual, I was amazed at what a fabulous job you did, reviewing the book and adding in all that related material. I was particularly thrilled that you included the book trailer I put on Utube. You adding it to your review made me very happy. In fact, I had a big smile on my face the whole time I looked at what you'd done. I even listened to the violin concerto and watched the video of Dog Hill. Every year it gets harder and harder to bring a new book to the attention of potential readers. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have you as an ally in that endeavor. Thank you so much for all you do for me and for other writers. There's no-one else like you. And that's no exaggeration.With profound gratitude, I remain, Your Friend, Don

Thank you. Your commitment to your craft is wonderful. Whether it's one star or 5, your reviews are detailed, considerate, and most of all, beneficial to the prospective reader.

What an amazing presentation. Stellar. I never expected anything like that.

Do you have a separate link that I can share? I'd love to post this everywhere I can. You did such a fabulous job.cheers Connie

Thank you so much for your glowing review of my new book. Your review really highlighted all the things that I try to incorporate in my books - they're the very things I want as a reader. I'm nearly finished writing the next book in the series - Walker and Munoz are back, and interestingly as you referenced in your review, this time it's personal. Again, thank you.

I'd read your amazing review before I looked at my Facebook page and was blessed. Hitting the link you posted, I was surprised for few would have gone to so much trouble, fewer still know that Lauren Bacall (born Betty Joan Perske) was Sephardic and bequeathed a large amount of primary source information about the Sephardim to a university, which I was able to view online when corroborating Naomi's story. Your review stands as one of the highlights of this profoundly dyslectic authors’ life. Thank & bless you heart emoticon

I thought I'd reach out to you for your heartfelt review on my novel. It was beautiful and brought tears to my eyes that someone was so moved by my tale... That it resonated that deeply with someone. Thanks for letting me know I'm not alone. Signed...

Wow, this is the most awesome blog post I've ever seen. Thank you for writing it! grin emoticon

I was thrilled with the details you offered in my review - like a literary movie trailer built on suspense and intrigue. I'm glad you're still reviewing books by aspiring authors like me. We need people like you! Keep up the good work and maintain that passion, Glenda!

Words fail me. Hi Glenda, I visited your review website today and was thrilled to see your marvelous features relating to Ms. Cramer's book. I passed them along to the author, and she is very excited and deeply grateful for your attention.

Your review of the book is wonderfully anecdotal and insightful, and it will be helpful I believe as an introduction to readers approaching Ms. Cramer's work for the first time. I found the opening of the review to be quite touching, with a wonderful sense of personal experience that I believe is all too often missing in critical review publication. In the context of the article, your remembrances from childhood add a truly beautiful layer to the photopoem you present.We're very impressed by what you put together using the press kit materials, and we will do our best to provide exposure for your features through our mailing list and other avenues.I do look forward to reading your articles in the future.We appreciate your considering our book and thank you very much for your fine and generous review coverage,

Saw the review and treatment of THE BLOOD BETRAYAL on your site. Once again, you've amazed me with what you do. Fantastic, fabulous… No, those words aren't good enough to describe your work and you.

I wrote up a short piece about what you did, directing people to your site from mine. That was really interesting and something I've never seen anyone do before. Great job, and I'm glad you enjoyed the novel.

Yo my truly heartfelt thank you for your very generous and kind review! I appreciate very much the time and effort you put into this review for me, and your so graciously posting it in multiple locations.

Your blogsite is extremely professional and well-done! What you posted for me there has completely blown me away!

Thank you again very much for such a comprehensive and thoroughly entertaining review. It's one of the best reviews I have received and I'm very proud to have it. Most Gratefully,

Glenda, You review blew my mind. When I listened to the songs you inserted, they brought tears to my eyes. You added a dimension to my work that was missing. In the attachment I have attempted to answer your question about anger. Thank you so much for your raving review. There are no words in the English language to express the gratitude I feel for you. I wish you a wonderful and blessed day.

I've been sitting in my chair for nearly fifteen minutes, stuck in an infinite loop of visual digestion and stunned amazement because of what you put together on your site for The Doppler Affect review. The time alone that you put into crafting the page is humbling, but the creativity and flair adds a layer I've never seen in reviews. Of course, the frosting of your very positive evaluation makes it the best cake I've eaten yet! I was also amazed at how you could step away from any biases due to your preferred genre and frame it for others...thank you. My newest book, Patriot's Point, will be released imminently. The publisher wants to know if I knew of any one in particular who has blogs or review sites that I would want to use. I immediately thought of you. Thanks, Doug

Glenda, I am truly in awe of your reviews and your review style. I have never seen anyone do a review as you can do one. I was entertained, informed, enlightened and amazed. There should be awards for creative, insightful and captivating reviews -- and you should be a recipient. Thanks for reviewing my book. And thanks for giving it an aura and image and feel that only your review could give it. I am very appreciative. All the best, Patrick

During the period of time that you requested my story, I also had other blog sites asking for the book as well. I had received three eviews prior to yours, and although I am very happy to report that all three were positive and enthusiastic, your entire presentation of the book, from the actual commentary to the ambitious visuals, blew me away and has left me emotionally weak-kneed in gratitude. I am extremely touched by all that you had to say and how you visually presented the concept of the book. Please note that I will place your website on the book's Facebook page which will hopefully bring your blog site more readership. Again, please know how grateful I am for your emotionally thrilling review. You have certainly made my day, Glenda! With much appreciation, Author/The Poe Consequence

I wanted to make sure I got a chance to properly thank you for posting the wonderful review of The Medici Boy! It was terrific, not just because you like the book (thank you) but because your analysis was thoughtful and honest. You put your heart into it, (Photos were out of this world) and you wrote like a friend would (we think that’s the very best kind of review). I appreciate your time and passion for literature! We’ve been promoting the site, since you went live, and we’re going to continue to promote your site on Social Media throughout the month. Senior Publicist Blue Dot Literary

Dear Glenda, I have to start this response with a BIG WOW! I have been very gratified with my experience as a new writer for both my books now and am working on a third. However, your review is like nothing I've ever seen, and I consider it a great piece of writing and creativity in itself. Thank you so very much for your kind words and treatment of Millstone. Once again, thank you for this review. I plan to pass it on in every venue available to me. My best wishes to you JackH

Thank you so much for your glowing review of my new book. Your review really highlighted all the things that I try to incorporate in my books - they're the very things I want as a reader. I'm nearly finished writing the next book in the series - Walker and Munoz are back, and interestingly as you referenced in your review, this time it's personal. Again, thank you.

I'd read your amazing review before I looked at my Facebook page and was blessed. Hitting the link you posted, I was surprised for few would have gone to so much trouble, fewer still know that Lauren Bacall (born Betty Joan Perske) was Sephardic and bequeathed a large amount of primary source information about the Sephardim to a university, which I was able to view online when corroborating Naomi's story. Your review stands as one of the highlights of this profoundly dyslectic authors’ life. Thank & bless you heart emoticon

I thought I'd reach out to you for your heartfelt review on my novel. It was beautiful and brought tears to my eyes that someone was so moved by my tale... That it resonated that deeply with someone. Thanks for letting me know I'm not alone. Signed...

JAFV I am stunned...

Wow, this is the most awesome blog post I've ever seen. Thank you for writing it! grin emoticon

I was thrilled with the details you offered in my review - like a literary movie trailer built on suspense and intrigue. I'm glad you're still reviewing books by aspiring authors like me. We need people like you! Keep up the good work and maintain that passion, Glenda!

Words fail me.

Hi Glenda, I visited your review website today and was thrilled to see your marvelous features relating to Ms. Cramer's book. I passed them along to the author, and she is very excited and deeply grateful for your attention.

Your review of the book is wonderfully anecdotal and insightful, and it will be helpful I believe as an introduction to readers approaching Ms. Cramer's work for the first time. I found the opening of the review to be quite touching, with a wonderful sense of personal experience that I believe is all too often missing in critical review publication. In the context of the article, your remembrances from childhood add a truly beautiful layer to the photopoem you present.We're very impressed by what you put together using the press kit materials, and we will do our best to provide exposure for your features through our mailing list and other avenues.I do look forward to reading your articles in the future.We appreciate your considering our book and thank you very much for your fine and generous review coverage,

Saw the review and treatment of THE BLOOD BETRAYAL on your site. Once again, you've amazed me with what you do. Fantastic, fabulous… No, those words aren't good enough to describe your work and you.

I wrote up a short piece about what you did, directing people to your site from mine. That was really interesting and something I've never seen anyone do before. Great job, and I'm glad you enjoyed the novel.

..my truly heartfelt thank you for your very generous and kind review! I appreciate very much the time and effort you put into this review for me, and your so graciously posting it in multiple locations.

Your blogsite is extremely professional and well-done! What you posted for me there has completely blown me away!

Thank you again very much for such a comprehensive and thoroughly entertaining review. It's one of the best reviews I have received and I'm very proud to have it. Most Gratefully,

You review blew my mind. When I listened to the songs you inserted, they brought tears to my eyes. You added a dimension to my work that was missing. In the attachment I have attempted to answer your question about anger. Thank you so much for your raving review. There are no words in the English language to express the gratitude I feel for you. I wish you a wonderful and blessed day. James Womack

WOW! What a beautiful post you did for ALMOST PERFECT ON YOUR I can’t imagine how much time you must have taken to create some thing so imaginative and special. I feel truly humbled and touched and quite unequal to saying how much it meant to me. A real present. You must be a very special person. I wish you were my neighbor and we could have a real chat over coffee. Maybe someday. But meanwhile know how wonderful your work made me feel and buoyed to keep on keeping on! Diane

I wanted to make sure I got a chance to properly thank you for posting the wonderful review of The Medici Boy! It was terrific, not just because you like the book (thank you) but because your analysis was thoughtful and honest. You put your heart into it, (Photos were out of this world) and you wrote like a friend would (we think that’s the very best kind of review). I appreciate your time and passion for literature! We’ve been promoting the site, since you went live, and we’re going to continue to promote your site on Social Media throughout the month. Senior Publicist Blue Dot Literary